✨ “Isang Dugo, Isang Lahi, Isang Kasaysayan.”
📍 Tagbilaran City, Bohol
| 🇵🇭 Historical Landmark | ⏳
First International Treaty
Among Bohol’s most meaningful landmarks is the Blood
Compact Shrine—a site that stands as a symbol of peace, diplomacy, and the
earliest recorded treaty of friendship between Filipinos and Spaniards.
🔙 A Glimpse into History
Built to commemorate the historic Sandugo ("one
blood"), the shrine honors the pact sealed in March 1565 between Spanish
explorer Miguel López de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna, the chieftain
of Bohol. In this traditional ritual, both leaders made a cut on their left
arms, collected a few drops of blood, mixed it with wine, and drank it—binding
themselves in mutual friendship and alliance.
🪧 Shrine Inscription:
“Each of the two leaders made a small cut in his arm,
drew a few drops of blood, mixed it with wine, and drank the goblet containing
the blood of the other. Thus was the first bond of friendship between Filipinos
and Spaniards.”
📸 My Visit: Then and Now
📅 2013 Visit (Before
the Earthquake)
I first saw the shrine during my early trip to Bohol. Despite its small size,
the site left a deep impression. The ocean view behind it made the monument
feel grander, timeless.
📅 2016 Visit (After
the Earthquake)
Luckily, this historical site was not affected by the 2013 earthquake. When we
returned, we stayed at Ocean Suites Bohol, which is just a short walk
from the monument. I visited early in the morning—it was quiet, peaceful, and
ideal for reflection and photos without the crowds.
🛍️ Quick Tips
- 🕰️
Best time to visit: Early morning (for quiet, fewer tourists, and
better light for photos)
- 🛍️
Souvenirs: Explore the nearby stalls for affordable
pasalubong—t-shirts, magnets, keychains, and native crafts
- 🏨
Where to Stay: Ocean Suites Bohol is right next door, with
fantastic sea views and quick access to the site
- 💡
Photo Tip: Position yourself with the sea behind the monument for
the best angle!
🔍 2025 Update
The shrine remains well-maintained, with minor landscaping
updates around the area. A few souvenir shops now accept GCash, and more
benches have been installed for visitors. Parking is still free, but limited.
📌 Travel Info
📍 Location: East
Tagbilaran Road, Bool District, Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines
⏰ Opening Hours: Open daily, 24/7 (no entrance
fee)
🅿️ Parking: Free but limited
📞 Contact: Managed by the City Tourism
Office of Tagbilaran
📝 If you're visiting Bohol, don't skip this site. It may be a
brief stop, but it carries a weight of history that ties together our identity
as Filipinos and our story with the world. Whether you’re a history buff, a
curious traveler, or just someone looking for a meaningful photo stop, the Blood
Compact Shrine delivers a quiet yet powerful message—peace through
understanding, even across oceans and centuries.
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